Nottingham Panthers have confirmed forward David Ling has left the club.

The 41-year-old broke the news to his teammates in the locker room after the game at Dundee Stars on Sunday night.

Ling told Panthers Radio that ‘he had never previously quit anything in his life’ and says ‘his dad will be rolling in his grave but he has to put the children first’.

David Ling on his departure from Panthers: "I've never quit anything and I don't feel right, but I have to do it as a Dad." #PanthersRadio

— Nottingham Panthers (@PanthersIHC) February 7, 2016

The Canadian won the Elite League title, Play-offs and Challenge Cup with the Panthers in 2012/13 and is a hugely popular figure with the club’s fans.

Head Coach Corey Neilson now faces a race against time to replace Ling with the transfer deadline looming.

(Image permission: Karl Denham)